Grading Policy
Purpose: To provide information to all stakeholders regarding the school-wide grading policy. The following policies and practices will reinforce this purpose.
Grading System
The basic grading system for all subject areas in grades 9-12 at Westmoreland High School shall be expressed by numerical grades on progress reports and report cards.
| Letter | Numerical Range |
|---|---|
| A | 90-100 |
| B | 80-89 |
| C | 70-79 |
| D | 60-69 |
| F | 0-59 |
| I | Incomplete |
Formula for Final Term Grade
| Grade Component | Weighted % |
|---|---|
| 1st Quarter (9 wks) | 40% |
| 2nd Quarter (9 wks) | 40% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
| Term Grade | 100% |
Notes: For honors classes, 3 points shall be added to the final term average. For AP classes, 5 points shall be added to the final term average before assigning the final (semester) grade.
Honors Course Requirements
According to the Sumner County Schools Curriculum Guide, an honors course shall include a minimum of five of the following components:
- Research-based writing assignments that address and extend the course curriculum (Required).
- Extended reading assignments that connect with the specified curriculum.
- Projects applying course curriculum to real-world situations, including presentations. Community connections encouraged.
- Open-ended investigations designed by students.
- Writing assignments demonstrating various modes, purposes, and styles:
- Modes: Narrative, descriptive, persuasive, expository, expressive
- Purposes: To inform, entertain, persuade
- Styles: Formal, informal, literary, analytical, technical
- Use and integration of appropriate technology.
- Deeper exploration of the culture, values, and history of the discipline.
- Opportunities for problem solving, imagination, critical analysis, and application.
- Job shadowing experiences with presentations connecting to coursework. (TSBA 3.301)
2. Exemption Policy
The following formula will determine exemptions from final exams if the teacher elects to exempt students:
| Full Unit Classes | Half Unit Classes |
|---|---|
| Average “A” | Average “A” |
| 5 or fewer absences | 3 or fewer absences |
| NO unexcused absences | NO unexcused absences |
Exceptions:
- 3 tardies/early dismissals = 1 absence
- Students with unserved detentions, ISS, or OSS are not exempt
3. Graded Items Policy
Summative grades will include work such as classwork, homework, written assignments, projects, and tests. All grades should reflect mastery of state standards.
4. Homework Policy
Homework will be assigned at the teacher’s discretion and should be manageable without assistance. Homework is expected regularly, especially in college-prep courses, and should take priority over extracurriculars. Parents are encouraged to establish a study routine at home.
5. Credit
Each term grade is a final grade, and term courses are treated as complete units. Failed work must be repeated in the term it was originally taken.
6. Make-Up Policy
Students may make up work for all excused/verified absences within the same number of days as they were absent. Late work may receive reduced credit. Teachers/principals may grant extensions under extenuating circumstances.
7. Grading Authority
Teachers determine grades and must be confident before assigning them. Grades may be changed only in the case of error or upon student appeal. (SCBOE Policy IHA)
8. Reporting Grades
Teachers must enter grades weekly into informationNOW for real-time access. Official grade reports are issued every 45 days. Each 45-day period counts for 40% of the final grade. Progress reports are issued mid-period, and Parent-Teacher Conferences are held at the end of each 9 weeks.
9. informationNOW Access
For Parent Portal access, contact Mrs. Regina Perry.